Offered by the second owner, owned for past 54 years
Amongst the rarest and best British motorcycles of the 1960s
The Appeal
The top of the BSA Lightning range, the Clubman was introduced in late 1964 as a factory production racer. Each example was finished with special gold and black paintwork and factory tuned to produce 51bhp at 6,250rpm which was impressive for a 650cc motorcycle. Mechanically the up rated engine featured a newly introduced alloy head equipped with splayed inlets for the twin carburettors, a hotter camshaft and siamesed exhaust system. Only in production from September 1964 to October 1965 just 200 genuine Lightning Clubman were produced. Raced in period by Bob Heath and Mike Hailwood they were competitive against the factory teams from Triumph, winning the prestigious Hutchinson 100 mile race at Silverstone in 1965. With so few produced genuine Clubmans are now extremely rare, with numerous replicas around.
This immaculate example was bought by the Seller, the second owner, in 1969 and he commuted to work on it for several years. It was also used for road regularity and navigation events, some of which were 24 hour events. The seller completely restored the BSA in 2015, back to near showroom condition. Since then it has been ridden occasionally with annual trips to the Goodwood Revival and local shows.BSA Lightning (5).JPG4.09 MB
History and Paperwork
Built in 1965, one of just 200 made
Bought by the Seller in October 1969
Owned by him for the past 54 years!
Verified genuine Lightning Clubman by VMCC
Ridden regularly, but never raced
Fully restored around 2015
Engine and gearbox professionally rebuilt
Converted to 12V ignition and electronics
New wheels with stainless steel spokes
New professionally applied paintwork
New chrome
V5c In Seller’s name
Competed successfully in road navigational events
Completed the Exeter Trial and RAC Endurance rally, over 600 miles in 24 hours
Regularly exhibited and ridden at the Goodwood Revival
Letter from the first owner to the Seller dated 23rd October 1969
Currently fitted with touring style handlebars (should be drop/racer style)
Hump back racing style black vinyl seat in as new condition
All BSA badges and branding in perfect condition
Gauges repaired, Smiths odometer corrected to MOT reading
All glass and light lenses in perfect condition
New chrome wheels with stainless steel spokes
Lightly worn set of Avon tyres
Correct cranked kick start lever
Correct rear-set BSA footrests
Recently the BSA has been used only occasionally for trips to Goodwood and locally since the restoration was completed and it remains in near showroom condition; it is exceptionally clean with no marks or stone chips.
Overall the BSA appears to be in good mechanical order. Beautifully restored and well maintained since it is said to ride well with no vices or issues.
Even an intensive search of the internet is unlikely to locate another real Lightning Clubman for sale. Plenty of replicas pass through various auction houses and dealers, but originals don’t change hands that often. We can only guess how few of the original 200 manufactured still exist; many were extensively raced, others lost their engines and gearboxes. But this is genuine, as verified by the VMCC. Only now being offered by its second owner who has cherished (and ridden) it for 58 years! Beautifully restored and ready to be enjoyed or displayed, this is a rare opportunity to own a real Lightning Clubman.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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